Free Events & Public Programs

The 16th annual Bitter Jester Music Festival rounds up its “Best Of” bands for a 6-hour culminating concert at the Navy Pier Beer Garden on...

Barry Butler’s 22 image exhibit is a celebration of many of the views of the Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and Buckingham Fountain. Whether you...

Free public program, presented by ComEd! Join us for the celebration of Holi at Navy Pier, a part of the Global Connections series presented by...

Free public program, presented by ComEd! The tradition of Carnivale is celebrated throughout the world in a wide variety of ways. Join us in the...

Dance, music, martial arts and more as part of Navy Pier’s Global Connections series. The Aon Grand Ballroom will be transformed into a festive, interactive...

he Chicago Yacht Club is hosting its annual Parade of Boats send-off party on Saturday, July 23rd from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Navy...

This sensational sculpture — "Reach" by Chris Daze Ellis can be found in Pier Park near the carousel. On loan from ART WITH ME, make...

Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents its annual tap showcase of professional dancers. Presented as part of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, America’s oldest and most...

Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle show Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Find a spot anywhere on the pier to...

Join us for our annual young-performers’ showcase. Fresh faces, fresh voices, and fresh ideas take over the Pier in this annual young-performers’ showcase, featuring musicians,...

Join us at Navy Pier for all your small business shopping and holiday needs! The Holidays are coming alive all-around Navy Pier! Visit our Winter...

Whether you are looking for a cool t-shirt, a toy or souvenir your family has not seen before or a one-of-a-kind collectible for your home,...

The Northwestern Medicine Experience Tour stops by the Promenade in Polk Bros Park on September 3. Northwestern Medicine is looking forward to connecting with families...

As part of Navy Pier’s Global Connections series, the Aon Grand Ballroom will be transformed into a festive, interactive, and family-friendly Lunar New Year Celebration:...

Optik is an interactive installation that reflects on our ability to play with our surroundings while giving the opportunity for brand new point of views...

Join us Saturday, January 21 for the exciting Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival at Navy Pier!  The Free Neighborhood Tour with Little Uprisings: My Night in...

Free Family Days with Chicago Children's Museum is back for 2023! In partnership with the Chicago Children's Museum (CCM), Navy Pier guests can enjoy five...

The next stop in Navy Pier’s Global Connections series is International Carnivale! Hosted by Logan Lu! The tradition of Carnivale is celebrated throughout the world...

Join us for the celebration of Holi at Navy Pier, a part of the Global Connections series presented by ComEd, on Saturday, March 4 from...

Inspired by solar and planetary movements, SOLSTICE is a monumental interactive installation that invites the audience to take control of the environment around them. Throughout...

Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle show Saturday nights at 10pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Find a spot anywhere on the pier to...

On Saturday, July 1st, Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle show shifts to 9pm for a special Independence Day Weekend Celebration. Find a spot anywhere on the...

Chicago’s favorite sky spectacle show Wednesday nights at 9pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Find a spot anywhere on the pier to...

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Ring in the New Year with Chicago’s award-winning spectacular fireworks show! Welcome in 2024 with a dazzling, free, fireworks display that...

Artist Derrick Adams brings the playful installation, Funtime Unicorns, to Navy Pier beginning Thursday, April 13 in partnership with Expo Chicago, extending through the end...

Enjoy Live on the Lake - a FREE live music summer concert series in the Navy Pier Beer Garden from May 27 - September 4. Navy...

Save the date for the third annual Chicago Live! festival on Saturday, September 23, + Sunday, September 24, 2023. Showcasing Chicago’s vibrant arts and cultural...

Chicago’s top DJs mix it up this summer with the Wave Wall Wax series, playing your favorite house & dance music every Saturday starting May...

Pier Dance returns this summer with FREE dance lessons every Wednesday in June from 6PM-7:30PM. Leave it all on the dance floor with this fun...

Let the live music of Skyline Sessions boost your mood for the week! Enjoy FREE live outdoor music from 5PM-9PM every Thursday and Friday from...

Navy Pier's Chi-Soul Fest is back for its annual Pier-wide celebration of Chicago’s soul music legends and traditions! Join us on Saturday, June 10, and...

Explore the great achievements and contributions of Illinois’ finest in music in The State of Sound: A World of Music from Illinois exhibition at Navy...

Join us Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 for LatiNxt, Navy Pier's annual celebration of modern Latin music and arts! This free two-day festival...

Join us for the annual Navy Pier Pride on Saturday, June 24, 2023. This free, full-day event celebrates diversity, inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+...

Celebrate Mexico Fest May 5-7 at Navy Pier!  In partnership with Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Government of Jalisco, over 30 artisan...

Break a sweat with free cardio workouts led by professional fitness instructors at the City Stage in Polk Bros Park. Rush Hour Workouts are for...

Unwind with the serenity of the city scene and lakefront as your backdrop for free yoga on the lawn. Relieve your stress once you hit...

As the excitement builds around the June 9th release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Navy Pier welcomes life-size statues of Optimus Prime, Primal, and...

Navy Pier’s popular outdoor film series Water Flicks returns this summer with a focus on animals. Watch fan favorite films featuring beloved talking animals to...

See Chicago Dance celebrates the 11th annual Chicago Dance Month with a kick-off celebration Saturday, June 3 featuring FREE performances by MADD RHYTHMS, Ajumma Rising,...

On Friday, June 2nd from 4-6pm, witness a world of artistic growth and discovery with Growing Room, a performance art installation in the form of...

Join us at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park for a free concert by the Navy Band Great Lakes, Wind Ensemble at 6:30pm on...

Join us for an evening of free family friendly entertainment including live music from the Polyphonia Orchestra on Friday, July 14 at 6PM. Bring a...

Join us for a preview of race week excitement on Tuesday, June 27, from 5PM-9:30PM. This race week Fanfest Kick-Off event is free and open to...

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: A Hero Within Directed and choreographed by Tor Campbell Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks will offer free pop-up performances in...

In honor of Navy Pier’s 107th Birthday and National Ice Cream Month, join us on Saturday, July 15th for a joyful celebration filled with sweet...

Join us for our free annual young performers showcase, Fresh Fest!, Thursday, July 13, and Friday, July 14.  Fresh faces, fresh voices, and fresh ideas...

The free summer series Water Colors returns every Friday at 6:30PM from July 14 - August 25. Chicago is known for its colorful influence on...

Southside, Northside or Pierside? Meet in the middle at Navy Pier! Join us on Thursday, July 13 from 12PM to 2PM in Polk Bros Park....

Join the talented teens from After School Matters for performances highlighting peace in our great city on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 3PM-4:30PM. This event...

PRAA (Puerto Rican Arts Alliance) is honored to present to you some of the most prominent local music artists from Chicago at Noche Caribeña on...

American Crew, The #1 Premium Men’s Hair Brand in the World*, is bringing its iconic American Crew Styling Truck to Navy Pier during the Chicago...

Celebrating 201 years of Brazil's independence, join us for Brazil 201 Festival on Sunday, September 10, from 2PM-8PM. Experience this Brazilian festival with live music,...

Design Museum of Chicago's new annual outdoor program — Field Day — creates an approachable and surprising celebration of Chicago’s outdoor spaces through a design...

Sequence Ch!cago is a free dynamic performance series celebrating local artists, musicians and cultural organizations showcasing their talents. Join us on Saturdays this fall from...

Prepare to be spooked and amazed as Navy Pier brings back Slightly Spooky Saturday on Saturday, October 28 from 12PM-8PM. Dive headfirst into a cauldron...

Join us for Housegiving on Wednesday, November 22 from 6:30PM to 1:30AM for the ultimate pre-Thanksgiving party. From newcomers to legends, the best of house...

New for the winter season! Navy Pier's free dazzling Award-Winning fireworks display will now feature Saturday shows this winter! Get cozy on the Pier and...

A Blues Christmas is a unique collaboration between Alligator Records and Navy Pier to celebrate the holiday season AND the Blues at this Free one-night-only...

Presented by FACETS Chicago International Children’s Film Festival in partnership with Chicago Children’s Museum and Navy Pier Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday October 11 -...

Navy Pier is excited to present a reimagined Light Up The Lake, the largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago! Join us for a winter celebration that promises...

The Coca-Cola Caravan is rolling into Navy Pier on Saturday, November 25 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Saturday, November 25 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | FREE...

The Ozinga Merry Mixer Saturday, December 23 | 4PM-9PM | FREE The Merry Mixer is coming to Navy Pier on December 23. Ozinga’s signature red-and-white...

Chi-Town Skygazers December 16-23, 26 & 27 | FREE Sunday - Thursday: 5:30PM-7:30PM Friday and Saturday: 5:30PM-8:30PM Join the Chi-Town Skygazers, an enthusiastic group of...

Santa Sets Sail for the North Pole Saturday, December 23 activities from Noon-9PM Powered by festive cheer, Santa will embark on his 4,622 nautical mile...

Perspective Presents ARTSMART series Black Women in Clay February 3, 2024 | FREE Festival Hall Room 301 | 1PM-3PM Diasposal Rhythms is proud to present...

Perspective Presents ARTSMART series Capturing the Culture in Stained Glass featuring artist Theadore Feaster February 17, 2024 | FREE Festival Hall Room 301 | 1PM-3PM...

Global Connections: Lunar New Year Presented by Comed February 10, 2024 | 1PM-5PM Aon Grand Ballroom | FREE Join us for the first Global Connections...

Global Connections: International Carnivale Presented by Comed February 24, 2024 | 1PM-5PM Aon Grand Ballroom | FREE The next stop in Navy Pier’s Global Connections...

Global Connections: Holi Presented by Comed March 23, 2024 | 1PM-5PM | FREE Aon Grand Ballroom & Navy Pier Beer Garden Join us for the...

Black History Month Workshop: Collage Making Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio February 3, 2024 | 12PM-2:30PM & 3:30PM-6PM Fifth Third Family Pavilion | FREE...

Black History Month Workshop: Be My Valentine Art Date Workshop Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio February 10, 2024 | 12PM-2:30PM & 3:30PM-6PM Fifth Third...

Black History Month Workshop: Jewelry Making Workshop Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio February 17, 2024 | 1PM-3PM & 4PM-6PM Fifth Third Family Pavilion |...

Black History Month Workshop: Crochet Workshop Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio February 24, 2024 | 1PM-3PM & 4PM-6PM Fifth Third Family Pavilion | FREE...

Valentine Fireworks Saturday, February 10 | 9PM Navy Pier South Dock | FREE  For the first time ever, Navy Pier will commemorate Valentine’s weekend with...

Love at the Pier Now-February 14th It's a Pier-wide celebration of love! Take a stroll through the Tunnel of Love, capture timeless memories with your little valentines, elevate...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Creative Canvas Painting w/ Marissa Kendrick Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 2, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank Family...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Mixed Media in March Workshop With Martha Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 9, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Wallet Painting Workshop With La LA Warren Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 16, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank...

Women’s History Month Workshops: Pretty Paper Flowers Workshop with Jenn Turner Hosted by Women's Live Artist Studio March 23, 2024 | 1PM-4PM Fifth Third Bank...

SPRING BREAK AT THE PIER MARCH 25 – MARCH 30, 2024 Navy Pier is inviting all to spend Spring Break discovering one week of interactive...

Six Nations “Super Saturday” Rugby Championship Watch Party Saturday, March 16, 2024 Navy Pier Beer Garden | FREE Join us in the Navy Pier Beer...

March into Spring As we "March" into Spring, join us for Pier-wide family activities and events. Women's History Month, St. Patrick's Day, Holi, and Easter...

Mexico Fest May 3-May 5, 2024 | FREE In partnership with Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Querétaro,...

Chicago House Music Fest Pre-Party SATURDAY, JUNE 1 | 1PM-10PM The City of Chicago—Birthplace of House Music—Celebrates 40th Anniversary of the Genre with Four Days...

CHI-SOUL FEST 2024 SATURDAY, JUNE 15 – SUNDAY, JUNE 16 Navy Pier’s Chi-Soul Fest is back for its annual Pier-wide celebration of Chicago’s soul music...

Summer Fireworks Wednesdays (9PM) & Saturdays (10PM) | FREE Enjoy Chicago's beloved sky spectacle show every Wednesday night at 9pm and Saturday night at 10pm,...

Wave Wall Moves Saturdays | June 8 – August 31 Wave Wall Stage | 4PM & 4:30PM | FREE Gather your family and be part...

Chicago Dance Month Kickoff Celebration Saturday, June 1, 2024 Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park 3PM-5PM | FREE Chicago Dance Month kicks off with an...

Swing into Summer Saturday, May 18, 2024 11AM-7PM | FREE Summer is just around the corner, with a handful of popular outdoor sports perfect for...

PIER Fitness Tuesdays | Free Rush Hour Cardio with Diana | 6PM-7PM Sunset Yoga with Robert | 7:30PM-8:30PM Get your heart pumping with Rush Hour...

Navy pier Pride Saturday, June 29 | 12PM-10PM Pier-wide | Free Join us for the annual Navy Pier Pride celebration! This free, full-day event celebrates...

Water Flicks: Science! Mondays, July 8-August 26 | 6:30PM Lake Stage Polk Bros Park | Free Attention movie lovers! Get ready for an electrifying cinematic...

Earth Day Workshops Saturday, April 20 | 12PM-5:30PM Culture Corner | Free Let's Seed into Spring! | 12PM-1:30PM Hosted by Mecca and Bweza Let's learn...